A SUBURBAN DRAG STORY THE TEXT
A SUBURBAN DRAG STORY
By Toronto Editorial Photographer John Hryniuk
Covid-19 changed this suburban neighbourhood in North York Ontario for the better, but only because of Toronto Drag Queen Jessyca Prosecco.
She started small nightly performances in support of essential workers in her front of her home during the pandemic. What she didn't know was how popular this event would eventually become with people from around the city and beyond.
" Initially there were just a few neighbours who came out to see our performances but that soon ballooned into hundreds as the weeks went by." said Sean Teperman, Prosecco's partner. " It really blew up, we even started inviting other drag queens to perform. It’s something to make people feel good,” he said, noting two doctors and a nurse live across the street." According to Teperman, a lot of work goes into the roughly 15-minute weekly performances. Josh ( Jessyca's real name ), with Teperman’s help, puts together the attire, which has included a Lady Gaga outfit. “We made that from Styrofoam and aluminum foil,” said Teperman, adding Josh sews the outfits himself. “He’ll work hours to put something together.” The only complaint the couple received was when they didn’t perform one Friday evening last month, Teperman said. “We got knocks on the door and letters telling us we had to continue.”